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# Senior Robotics Software Engineer

- **Company:** Capstan Medical, Inc.
- **Location:** Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Board Bringup, Abstraction Layers, Software Applications, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Encodings, Communications Protocols, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Linux, Device Drivers, Embedded Software, Ethernet, EtherCAT, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Motion Planning, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Data Logging, Robot Operating System, PIC Microcontroller, Real Time Systems, Concurrency, Control Structures, Safety Critical Systems, Hardware Testing, Information Technology
- **Published:** October 21, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/994b77db-6f73-4d6e-bff3-6fb50902bf58/senior-robotics-software-engineer

## About the Role

* BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
 * 5+ years of experience developing software for robots or electromechanical systems.

 * Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
 * Experience bringing up hardware or developing software that controls physical systems.
 * Hands-on experience integrating software with motors, encoders, sensors, or embedded
 * controllers.
 * Working knowledge of communication protocols such as EtherCAT, CAN, SPI, I2C,
 * UART, or Ethernet.
 * Understanding of operating systems, concurrency, and real-time system constraints.
 * Strong debugging skills across hardware, firmware, and software.
 * Ability to communicate technical tradeoffs, collaborate across disciplines, and own
 * problems end-to-end.

Preferred Qualifications

 * Experience in controls, motion planning, kinematics, or mechatronics.
 * Motor control experience, including current, velocity, or position loops, commutation, or
 * drive tuning.
 * Robotics software experience, including ROS/ROS2.
 * Embedded software or firmware experience with microcontrollers, RTOS, or real-time Linux.
 * Experience taking robots or electromechanical products from prototype to production.
 * Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or automated hardware test systems.
 * Medical device or safety-critical systems experience, including IEC 62304 or ISO 14971.
 * Experience across multiple software technologies and the ability to learn new tools quickly.

## Description

Job DescriptionLocation: Santa Cruz, California Department: Engineering - Robotics Software & Controls Reports To: Manager of Robotics & Controls Workplace Type: Hybrid - onsite 3-4 days per week across Santa Cruz and West Menlo Park,with at least one day per week in Santa Cruz, We're looking for a Senior Robotics Software Engineer to develop the software infrastructure connecting our robotic hardware with control, planning, and clinical applications. You'll lead hardware bring-up, integrate motors and sensors, and troubleshoot issues across hardware, firmware, and software.

This is a hands-on role for an engineer with experience in robotics software, controls, motion planning, or mechatronics who enjoys working close to the hardware and building reliable, production-ready systems.

What You'll Do:

 * Lead robot hardware bring-up, from initial power-on to safe, repeatable operation.
 * Develop robotics infrastructure, including hardware abstraction layers, device drivers, real-time control loops, logging, and diagnostics.
 * Integrate motor drives, encoders, force and position sensors, and other peripherals.
 * Support motor control, joint tuning, and the transition from prototypes to production-ready software.
 * Contribute to kinematics, motion planning, and control features.
 * Build calibration, characterization, and hardware testing tools.
 * Debug issues across hardware, firmware, operating systems, and application software using software and laboratory tools.
 * Write reliable, high-performance C++ and Python code that meets real-time requirements.
 * Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and systems engineers to define interfaces and requirements.
 * Document designs, participate in technical reviews, and support verification and validation for regulatory submissions.